What is it? Since it became a common sight at the Chelsea Flower Show, this May/June-flowering bulb with compact lollipops of pure purple has become popular, and rightly so: it is easy to grow and adds class to any border or pot.

Plant it with? It looks a treat against the fresh lime green of euphorbias, such as E. palustris or E. x martinii, or against an underplanting of gold‑leafed marjoram. Or be bold and plant with an orange wallflower for a real colour contrast.

And where? Full sun and well‑drained fertile soil will give it its best start. Plant the bulbs as soon as they arrive, 5-10cm deep.

Any drawbacks? Just like its edible cousins in the allium family, 'Purple Sensation' can fall prey to pests and diseases such as white rot and onion fly. The strap-like leaves fade quickly, so make sure you have enough ground cover around them from other plants to mask the wastage.

What else does it do? With a height of 90cm, the flower heads, once dry and brown, add texture and height to the autumn and winter garden and look great wreathed in frost. Unless, that is, you have children such as mine, who love to uproot them for use as oversized microphones.